Therapeutic Foster Caregivers
Are you able to open your home to a child aged 13-17 who has complex trauma-impacted care needs?
New to Alberta: Therapeutic Foster Caregiving
Therapeutic Foster Caregiving is an addition to the placement continuum which sits between traditional foster care and group or campus-based care. It is a therapeutic family-based, short-term, out-of-home placement program which supports children with complex trauma-impacted care needs. The program promotes an inclusive foster care approach, in which Therapeutic Foster Caregivers are an addition to a child's existing network.
Therapeutic Foster Caregivers and birth families will work to build alliances which promote safety, collective healing, and provide wraparound supports to the child. The program goal is to provide clinically effective treatment to youth in a home environment so they may return to their natural family or other permanent home upon program exit.
An Inclusive Foster Care Approach
We honour An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Metis children, youth and families. In accordance with this Act, we prioritize matching Indigenous children with an Indigenous caregiver(s). When a non-Indigenous caregiver(s) must be considered, Therapeutic Foster Caregivers will take the initiative to keep children connected to their home community and family.
Diverse Applicants Needed
Culture can be an important piece of a child’s identity. Therapeutic Foster Caregivers with diverse cultural backgrounds are valued as it enhances the program’s ability to match children to homes that are understanding and sensitive to their unique cultural needs.
Are you unable to be a Therapeutic Foster Caregiver but still interested in helping children in our program?
McMan South also needs youth and adults with lived experience in foster care, as well as cultural knowledge keepers, community members, an/or Elders to be a part of the program’s Advisory Circles.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
We are currently looking for Therapeutic Foster Caregivers in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Fort MacLeod, and surrounding areas who meet the following requirements:
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Single or couple applicants who are at least 18 years old
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Financially stable
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Have a reliable vehicle, valid Alberta Driver’s License, and minimum $2m third party automobile insurance
Applicants should expect the following during the application process:
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SAFE Home Study which includes requiring a completed medical reference, police information check including the vulnerable sector, and intervention record check
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Contact with personal references and adult children, if applicable
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Extensive pre-service training
INCREASED SUPPORTS
FOR CAREGIVERS
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Compensated a daily skill fee and child maintenance to care for the child
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Paid wellness breaks
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Paid onboarding training
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Weekly support
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Valued member of the Therapeutic Team
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Paid relief two days per month
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Support and education groups
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24/7 on-call support
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Cultural and clinical consultation as needed
